Are you getting ready to relocate? It’s time to begin thinking about packing up your house for the move, and as you look around you might notice a few fragile items.
Chances are you have more than you think, and those items are going to need special care during your move. Here are some tips to get them packed safely.
1. Create an Inventory List
Determine what types of fragile items you will need to transport. Take a walk around your home, make notes and take photos of all the fragile items.
Be sure to include:
- Figurines, statues, and vases
- China
- Dishes
- Drinking glasses and mugs
- Picture frames
- Family keepsakes
- Electronics
- Kitchen devices
Large specialty items like pianos, grandfather clocks, or chandeliers need special care. If employing a moving company, check to see if they handle these types of items or if you will need to make other arrangements.
2. Get the Right Supplies
With your fragile inventory list in hand, you can now gather the appropriate supplies for packing.
Stock up on quality, sturdy boxes in various shapes and sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, scissors, and markers. Some stores sell specialty boxes that separate areas for each item like glassware.
Make sure you have enough supplies so that you don’t run short when you are down to the end of your packing.
Avoid using newspaper for wrapping your fragile items. While plentiful in some homes, the newsprint may leave ink stains on some items. Only use newspaper on items where staining won’t be an issue.
3. Ways to Pack Common Breakable Items
Below are ways to pack some everyday fragile items. For unusual fragile items, a little creativity may be needed. But this section will give you some direction.
When packing fragile items, pack heavier things on the bottom of the box with layers of crumpled wrapping paper or bubble wrap underneath. Reinforce the bottom of each box with extra packing tape. Once you have your items in the box, fill any empty space with crumpled paper to prevent the pieces from shifting around and getting damaged.
Dishes
Pack dishes in small to medium-sized boxes since they tend to be heavy. Wrap each plate in bubble wrap, secure with scotch tape, and place it vertically in the box with bubble wrap in between each plate. Place crumpled packing paper on the bottom and top.
Glasses
Wrap glasses individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. For glassware with stems, wrap the stem with bubble wrap, then wrap the rest of the glass. Stuff the inside of each glass with paper to prevent crushing. Place them in their compartments in the box.
Picture Frames
Place an X of painter’s tape across the glass of the frame to prevent shattering. Wrap frames in bubble wrap and tape the bubble wrap down. Line a box with crumpled paper and carefully set them inside. Stand the frames up if they are over eight inches tall.
4. Mark the Boxes “Fragile”
Make sure you label your boxes “fragile” on every side. Set the boxes marked “fragile” in a separate area than your other boxes. Advise your movers or helpers of the fragile items in those boxes so that they are handled with special attention.
Packing Fragile Items With Care
Packing fragile items takes longer than packing your other belonging. The extra time and steps you take to protect your breakables will be worth it when they arrive safely intact.
We also know how to pack and keep those delicate items safe and sound. Let the experts help you get them there in one piece. Call for a quote today.
